Today was amazing. Exhausting, but amazing. We left our parish at 8 am and returned at 10 pm. But we got to be with the Pope for 2 hours! And despite the tiresome day, there was a surrounding sense of peace. There were no politics today, just love. It was quite a preponderance for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. People just wanted to be there and show there love for Benedict XVI, the vicar of Christ. It didn’t matter as much what he said, but just that we were there sharing the moment and the experience.
At one point we were all singing to the pope as a birthday gift. It reminded me of the scene in the Mission with Robert DeNiro, where the indigenous people sing to the representative of the pope. We just sang as best we could, to be pleasing to Benedict, and ultimately pleasing to Christ.
Kelly Clarkson was another great part of the day. Of course she’s a great singer and performer and everyone went wild. But what got me was when she sang the Ave Maria to the pope and then their exchange. She sang phenomenally! Then she went to greet the pope, surprised at the opportunity. She seemed shy or embarassed with a look of “what do I do? Who am I?” Well, Kelly, that would have been my response too. I don’t know how Kelly Clarkson is as a person so I don’t know if this fits, but the pop scene in general is not considered by many in line with the Church. Kelly for the most part seems decent. But what a great idea to have her up there, telling her, “you are worthy to be here with the pope, but more importantly, with Christ.” The pope didn’t show her any sort of “you’re part of that entertainment industry” attitude; he just loved and accepted her.
There was plenty to talk about today, but overall, it was just an unreal incredible gift of an opportunity. Pope Benedict XVI really lives his message of proclaiming love to everyone everywhere.
